10-22-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regutar Meeting Page 10 Council Member Flaherty said that he does not feel that any rights are being taken away. He then ~ thanked the Task Force for the commitment to meet on this for two years and develop this recommendation for the Council. Council Member Hull asked if this could be changed from a levy to an assessment to give everyone a voice on the project. Mayor Marty indicated that millions can be saved by accelerating this program to 10 years rather than 18 or 20. Mayor Marty said that this proposed project would move forward in a finite time rather than be subject to delays and additional costs for residents. Council Member Hull asked how the figures would be affected by exempting those that were already assessed. He then suggested exempting them and increasing costs to other residents slightly. Council Member Stigney commented that the Task Force is trying to solve the streets issue and develop a method for paying. He then said that "the devil is in the details" despite the fact that the plan looks good on its face. Council Member Stigney said that this does circumvent the petition process. He then said that there is money in hand, and that should be spent down, and then the City should stay within the general fund that establishes a cap an how much money can be generated. Council Member Stigney said that maybe there should be an option to opt in or out for those that • have paid an assessment. He then said that he thinks the Council should take a vote on whether or not to go to referendum on this project. Council Member Stigney said that the Finance Director has said that he is hopeful that there would be enough money in the fund after 10 years and, if there is not, that means raising taxes to pay for it. Council Member Stigney said that using the funds to reduce t~es for streets would be an excellent use of the levy reduction fund. Council Member Stigney indicated that the proposed plan has a lot of details that need to be discussed and worked out to ensure that this plan can work, before tlus is decided upon. Mayor Marty said that it is Council's job to look to the future, and look to what is best for the residents. Mayor Marty commented that this must be done for the overall well being of the City now, and in the future. Mayor Marty said that he is glad that this street project did not go forward, because the new policy is superior to how projects were done. He then commended the Finance Director and the Task Force for thinking outside the box on ways to get the streets reconstructed within a • relatively short amount of time and with limited cost to residents.